For Now, Bullet Train May Go Nowhere

By

Jim Carlton And

Max Taves

Updated July 8, 2012 8:40 p.m. ET

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—After clearing a major legislative hurdle, California's proposed bullet train between Los Angeles and San Francisco still faces obstacles—including lawsuits and uncertainties over future funding—that could delay it for years.

Friday's narrow state Senate vote approving $4.7 billion in bonds for the train and related projects sends the funding bill to a likely signing by Gov. Jerry Brown, a proponent of high-speed rail. The vote helps ensure the state will get to keep $3.3 billion in federal matching...